Menstrual Cup

ABSTRACT

A menstrual device with a reservoir portion attached to a rim portion where the rim of the device is configured to improve use and comfort. The edge of the reservoir portion may be molded into the defined geometry of the rim portions. Additionally, the rim may have one or more channels and/or elements positioned within the defined geometry of the rim.

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application62/930,804. The disclosure of which is included herein by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to menstrual collection devices,specifically menstrual discs and/or menstrual cups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A person who menstruates will typically use a tampon or pad to absorbcatamenial fluids. Alternatives to tampons and pads exist to collectcatamenial fluids such as menstrual cups and/or menstrual discs.Menstrual cups have been in use and have been known as is describedfurther in U.S. Pat. No. 1,891,761 to Goddard, U.S. Pat. No. 1,996,242to Hagedom, U.S. Pat. No. 2,089,113 to Chalmers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,248to Crawford, and U.S. Design Pat. No. D323,212 to Crawford. Such devicesare commonly used as a replacement to other catamenial devices such astampons and sanitary napkins.

The typical menstrual cup is a cup like device with a reservoir orcatchment area and a rim designed to be inserted into the vagina andcatch menses. Goddard, Hagedome, and Chalmers devices are worn in alower region of the vaginal canal where there are more nerve endings.These menstrual cups form a vacuum seal with the vaginal wall that mustbe disrupted before the cup is removed.

An alternative class of menstrual cups is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,292,984 to Potter. Similar to the menstrual cups of Goddard, Hagedome,and Chalmers, the Potter device is designed to be foldable such that itcan be inserted into the vagina and then expand once in position.However, the Potter device is designed to sit in the fornix, ananatomical region around the cervix at the top of the vaginal canalwhere there are fewer nerve endings. Often times this type of menstrualcup is referred to as a menstrual disc. Menstrual discs may beconstructed of materials that are single-use or from materials that arereusable. Accordingly, many manufactured follow traditional methods ofmanufacture to produce resilient type devices for ease of insertion anduse. However, with an increased interest in protecting the environment,with more sustainable and/or biodegradable products, many manufacturesfail to take advantage of improved technologies in the design andmanufacture of menstrual products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many embodiments are directed to menstrual cups and/or discs,specifically the design and manufacture of said devices that allow forimproved user experience with insertion and removal as well as the useof more sustainable materials. Many embodiments include a body portionhaving an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interiorsurface defines a reservoir and where the body portion has a definedouter edge with a first diameter. The cup also has a resilientlyfoldable rim with defined dimensions of height, width, and diameter,wherein the diameter of the rim is equal to or greater than the firstdiameter of the body portion, and wherein the height of the rim isdefined by an upper edge and a lower edge and the width of the rim isdefined by a thickness of the rim that extends between an outwardsurface to an inward surface. The resiliently foldable rim has achamfered leading edge wherein the chamfered leading edge is defined bya sloped surface extending downward at angle off axis from the upperedge and extending to a point along the outward surface below the upperedge.

In other embodiments, the cup has at least one protrusion extendingoutward from the outer edge of the rim and circumferentially disposedaround the rim wherein the protrusion is configured to be resilientlyfoldable and compliant so as to comply with the resiliently foldable rimand wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to contact aportion of the user's body and form a seal.

In still other embodiments, the at least one protrusion extends outwardat a downward angle away from the resiliently foldable rim.

In yet other embodiments, the cup has a plurality of protrusions havingan elongated body with a first end and a second end where the first endis connected to an inner portion of the resiliently foldable rim andextends outward towards the outer surface and connects to an inwardportion of the outward surface, such that each of the plurality ofprotrusions make up a portion of the resiliently foldable rim andwherein each of the plurality of protrusions are individually disposedon the inner portion of the rim in a circumferential pattern.

In still yet other embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusionshave at least a portion thereof near the first end that overlaps atleast a portion of an adjacent protrusion.

In other embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions are disposedat a helical angle with respect to the outer surface of the rim.

In still other embodiments, the cup has a plurality of channels disposedin the resiliently foldable rim wherein each of the plurality ofchannels extend through at least a portion of the resiliently foldablerim.

In yet other embodiments, the plurality of channels extend horizontallyfrom an interior surface of the rim to an exterior surface of the rim.

In still yet other embodiments, the plurality of channels extend at anangle that is off axis from the vertical and wherein the angle extendsfrom an inner surface towards and outer surface.

In other embodiments, the plurality of channels extend at an angle thatis off axis from the vertical and wherein the angle extends from anouter surface towards and inner surface.

In still other embodiments, the cross section of the channel is a “C”cross section.

In yet other embodiments, the plurality of channels are disposed near anouter edge of the resiliently foldable rim and form a cutout of the rim.

In still yet other embodiments, the plurality of channels are disposednear an inner edge of the resiliently foldable rim and form a cutout ofthe rim.

In other embodiments, the resiliently foldable rim has a cross sectionselected from a group consisting of triangular, half circular, and Ushaped.

In still other embodiments, the body portion of the cup has a volumeranging from 25 ml to 75 ml.

In yet other embodiments, the rim is molded onto the body portion of thecup such that the rim encloses the defined outer edge of the bodyportion.

In still yet other embodiments, the rim and the body portion are made ofmaterials of different durometers.

Other embodiments are directed to a menstrual cup that includes a bodyportion having an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein theinterior surface defines a reservoir and wherein the body portion has adefined outer edge with a first diameter. The cup has a resilientlyfoldable rim having defined dimensions of height, width, and diameter,wherein the diameter of the rim is equal to or greater than the firstdiameter of the body portion, and wherein the height of the rim isdefined by an upper edge and a lower edge and the width of the rim isdefined by a thickness of the rim that extends between an outwardsurface to an inward surface. Additionally the resiliently foldable rimhas a contoured leading edge.

In still other embodiments, the contoured leading edge is defined by asloped surface extending downward at an angle off axis from the upperedge and extending to a point along the outward surface below the upperedge.

In yet other embodiments, the of axis angle is equal to 45°.

In still yet other embodiments, the contoured leading edge is defined bya curved surface extending from the upper edge down towards the loweredge and to a point along the outward surface.

Other embodiments are directed to a menstrual cup with a body portionhaving an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interiorsurface defines a reservoir and wherein the body portion has a definedouter edge with a first diameter. The cup has a resiliently foldable rimhaving defined dimensions of height, width, and diameter, wherein thediameter of the rim is equal to or greater than the first diameter ofthe body portion. The height of the rim is defined by an upper edge anda lower edge and the width of the rim is defined by a thickness of therim that extends between an outward surface to an inward surface. Thebody portion of the cup attaches to the rim between the upper edge andlower edge and on the inner diameter.

Other embodiments are directed to a menstrual cup with a body portionhaving an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interiorsurface defines a reservoir and wherein the body portion has a definedouter edge with a first diameter. The cup has a resiliently foldable rimhaving defined dimensions of height, width, and diameter, wherein thediameter of the rim is equal to or greater than the first diameter ofthe body portion. The height of the rim is defined by an upper edge anda lower edge and the width of the rim is defined by a thickness of therim that extends between an outward surface to an inward surface. Therim also has one or more channels transecting the height of the rimwhere the cross section of each of the one or more channels is acircular cross section.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may belearned by the practice of the disclosure. A further understanding ofthe nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized byreference to the remaining portions of the specification and thedrawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be more fully understood with reference to thefollowing figures, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of theinvention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of thescope of the invention, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates a cross sectional view of a menstrual devicewith an overmolded rim in accordance with several embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an overmolding process inaccordance with several embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a menstrual device in accordance with severalembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a menstrual device inaccordance with several embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 5A through 5C a menstrual device with a resiliently compliant rimelement in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 6A through 6C illustrate a menstrual device with a circumferentialprotrusion on an outer surface of the rim in accordance with embodimentsof the invention.

FIGS. 7A through 7E illustrate a menstrual device with a contouredleading edge in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a tabular illustration of various rim cross sections inaccordance with several embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 9A through 9H illustrate menstrual devices with device removalmechanisms in accordance with several embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate insertion and removal of a menstrual devicein accordance with several embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods of a menstrual cupand/or disc are described. In many embodiments of the invention, themenstrual device contains a resilient rim connected to a reservoirportion where the rim and reservoir are foldable such that it can befolded and inserted into a vaginal canal. Additionally, many embodimentsincorporate a rim material that is different from the reservoir materialand the reservoir material is overmolded onto the rim such that thereservoir is enclosed at its edge by the rim material. Many embodimentsmay also include air equalization pathways to improve the removalprocess of the device.

Menstrual cups, as previously described, have been in use and are wellknown in the field of menstrual devices. However, known menstrual cupshave many disadvantages. The ease of insertion and removal can presentcertain difficulties that may lead users to resort to less ideal methodsof collection. For example, known cups generally lack a function to aidin the removal of the cup, having only a small gripped stem which whenpulled and due to the seal formed between the cup and the vagina createsa mechanical suction force between the cup and the vagina and cervixprohibiting, not aiding, removal. Additionally, some menstrual cupssimilar to the Porter design have no ideal method of removal.Furthermore, traditional cups can be difficult to insert. Existing cupsare inserted with specific fold techniques that require dexterity andgrip strength to maintain the folded shape and requires the user toinsert their fingers into the vagina. It is difficult to performinsertion with existing cups, particularly for individuals with loss ofdexterity or grip strength. Further, for proper functioning withoutleakage, the cup must be completely unfolded within the vagina, however,existing menstrual cups often do not completely unfold under their ownmechanical spring forces and require a user to reach further into thecavity to inspect the shape and if necessary manipulate the cup tocomplete the unfolding. If existing cups are not placed ideally withinthe body, the wearer may experience leakage and discomfort. Accordingly,improved methods of manufacture of menstrual cups can help to improvethe overall design for insertion as well as include additional featuresthat aid in the ultimate removal.

Embodiments of Overmolding

In accordance with many embodiments, menstrual cups may be manufacturedusing an overmolding technique. Overmolding involves a process ofconnecting two materials, similar or dissimilar, where an edge of afirst material is overmolded by the second material. This processcompletely seals the edge of the first material within the cross sectionof the second material. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a cross section of amenstrual cup 100 with an overmolded rim 102 in accordance with various4 embodiments. As illustrated, the menstrual cup 100 has a catchmentarea or reservoir 104 that is located beneath the rim 102. The reservoir104 has an edge 106 that is overmolded by the rim 102 of the menstrualcup. In accordance with many embodiments, the rim 102 completelyencloses the edge 106 of the reservoir. Additionally, since manyembodiments may use one or more materials in creating the menstrual cup100, many embodiments may incorporate a transition region 108 within thereservoir portion 104 of the cup 100. The transition region 108 may bethicker than the main reservoir area but may also be thinner than therim 102. In accordance with many embodiments, the transition area 108may serve as a structural strengthening element as well as an additionalresilient portion to aid in the insertion and deployment of the device.Although certain configurations of the overmolded edge 106 are shown itshould be understood that the edge 106 may take on any configurationthat is suitable for the overall functionality of the cup 100.

Many manufactures follow a more traditional approach to producingmenstrual cups such as injection molding. While injection moldingtechniques can be used, many embodiments may utilize an alternativemethod of manufacture as illustrated by the flow diagram in FIG. 2. Inaccordance with various embodiments, a menstrual cup can be manufacturedutilizing an overmolding technique where the material for the rim andthe reservoir portions can be obtained or supplied (201 and 202). It canbe appreciated that the material for each portion of the cup can beobtained simultaneously and form a variety of sources since variousembodiments may include one or more different materials in either therim or the reservoir or both. In some embodiments, the material may bethe same material. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that parallelprocesses for the different components can be implemented in accordancewith some embodiments. In accordance with many embodiments, thereservoir material can be cut (204) to a desired shape or to a shapethat can be formed into the end product. For example, some embodimentsmay have larger reservoirs than others and may require a larger materialblank than others.

Material blanks can be cut (204) in any number of ways such that thereservoir material is cut to the desired dimensions that correspond tothe rim. For example, the reservoir material can be cut (204) by diecutting, laser cutting, preforming, etc. Additionally, many embodimentsmay utilize a variety of materials for both the rim portion as well asthe reservoir portion. For example, the materials for either the rim orreservoir may be selected from any suitable material such as bio-basedmaterial, biodegradable material, medical grade silicone, plastic (foodgrade or otherwise), etc. Additionally, either the rim or the reservoiror both may be made of one or more materials.

Once the materials have been selected (201 and 202), cut (204), and/orpre-processed (if needed) the shaped reservoir material can then beprepared for molding the rim by installing it into a molding device(206). Some embodiments may incorporate a holding step (208) that holdsthe reservoir material in place during processing. Such methods mayinclude vacuum, adhesive, clamping, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments the reservoir material may be pre-formed (205) in a parallelprocess. Accordingly, the pre-formed reservoir can conform to the moldfor overmolding the edge such that it has predefined end shape. Whetherpreformed or molded into shape after the overmolding process, thematerial will still need to be held in a mold for overmolding, inaccordance with numerous embodiments. With the reservoir material inplace, the rim can then be molded around the outer edge of the reservoirmaterial (210) such that the edge is completely enclosed within themolded rim of the cup. Once the rim has been overmolded on the edge ofthe reservoir material (210), the reservoir can be formed, either in themold or in a separate step if needed, and the finished product can beremoved from the mold (212) and prepared further for packaging. Whenforming the reservoir in the mold (205), specialized heating can beapplied to selectively heat the reservoir material while avoidingheating the mold. Heating methods to do this include rapid resistiveheating, infrared heating coupled to absorbent pigments or coatingsapplied to the reservoir material, and hot gas used to pressurize theforming chamber and heat the reservoir at the same time. In accordancewith some embodiments, the rim may be configured with air equalizationports (207) for improved removal. The ports can be used to aid inremoval of the cup in a number of different ways which will be describedin greater detail further below with respect to FIGS. 9A-9H. However, inmany embodiments the equalization ports may be formed during or afterthe molding process.

In accordance with many embodiments, the overmolding of the rim andreservoir can be an important part of the development and manufactureprocess to help improve sustainability of the cup. The overmoldingprocess allows for a wider range of material combinations to be used.Although certain configurations and processing steps are describedherein with respect to manufacturing of a menstrual cup, it should beunderstood that the any combination of process steps and/or materialscan be used together or separately in accordance with the variousembodiments.

Embodiments of a Menstrual Cup

In accordance with many embodiments, the overmolding of the rim andreservoir can be an important part of the development and manufacturingprocess to help improve usability of the cup. Additionally, manyembodiments may incorporate one or more designs into the cross sectionof the rim as well as the reservoir that can provide for an improvedfunctionality of the cup. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a menstrualcup 300 with a multi-level rim 302 and a reservoir 304 with an upperwide portion 306 and a lower portion 308 with a smaller diameter thanthe upper portion. The multiple levels or transitions of the rim 302 canprovide for improved insertion and removal of the cup/disc by providingmore of a contoured surfaced that will not interfere with the body ofthe user. Additionally, the step 310 can function as a seal against thewalls of the vagina while the cup is inserted. It can be appreciatedthat the rim and step 310 can be made of the same material or can bemade of different materials or can be made of materials with differentphysical properties. For example, as many cups have a resilient rim therim 302 and the step can be made of materials that differ in durometerso as to maintain the resiliency of the cup as well as improve thecomfort for the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of a menstrual cup 400 with a rim 402that has a half circular cross section in accordance to someembodiments. In some embodiments the rim 402 may have small ridges ortextures 404 that can aid in handling or gripping of the cup. Addingtextured features to the rim 402 can aid in the insertion of the cup,especially for individuals who may have dexterity problems.Additionally, some embodiments may have larger reservoirs 406 where thereservoir has a tapering cross section the provides for greater volumeand catchment capabilities. In accordance with many embodiments, theedge cross section as well as the reservoir can be tunable or adjustableto fit the needs of any number of users. For example, some embodimentscan have more shallow reservoirs while others have deeper largerreservoirs. Accordingly, many embodiments may have reservoirs that rangein volume from 25-75 ml. As can be appreciated, the adjustability of therim and the reservoir can help to improve applicability to the end useras no one person is the same.

The overall functionality and comfort of any menstrual device isimportant from a user standpoint. Furthermore, since no one user is thesame, having a number of different functional and comfort elements canbe important to a number of users. Accordingly, many embodiments may beadapted to improve the functionality of the cup as well as improvecomfort for the user. One key aspect that relates to comfort andusability is the rim design. This is generally because the rim is themain component of the cup that interacts with the user during insertion,removal, and use. The rim contacts the side walls of the vagina as wellas is designed to direct the flow of fluid into the reservoir andprevent unwanted leaks. FIGS. 5A through 8 illustrate menstrual cupswith various types of rim designs to help improve comfort and usabilityin accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an embodiments of a menstrual cup 500with a rim element 502 extends outwardly from the catchment portion 504of the cup 500. In a number of embodiments, the rim may have a number ofresilient support elements 506 that extend outward from the main body508 of the rim and are interconnected by an outer resiliently flexiblerim 510. Additionally, each of the resilient support element 506 arespaced apart such that the movement of each of the elements 506 does notinterfere with the movement of adjacent elements. In some embodiments,the elements 506 can be positioned at an angle, such as a helical angle,in relation a surface of the rim. In various embodiments, the elements605 can be configured to fold over onto an adjacent element during theexposure to an outward force. Such configurations, with resilientelements can allow for flexibility and adjustability within the rim suchthat usability is improved among a variety of users. In numerousembodiments the spaces 512 between the elements 506 can extend throughthe thickness of the rim. One objective of such structuralconfigurations is to allow for the locational stiffness of the cup to betuned to the various contact and non-contact surfaces. For example, manyembodiments may use more compliant materials and/or configurations ofmaterials in in areas or edges of the cup that would be considered “bodycontacting.” In contrast, in some embodiments, more rigid and stiffstructure and/or material combinations can be used to provide mechanicalresiliency in non-body contact areas. Additionally, due to thevariability that may be required, it can be appreciated that manyembodiments may vary the structure and/or material configurations inmore than one dimension. In other words, the variability can occur inthe X, Y, and Z planes of any given design. Furthermore, it can beappreciated that any number of manufacturing methods can be used,including but not limited to additive manufacturing, injection molding,overmolding etc.

FIGS. 6A through 6C, for example, illustrates a menstrual cup 600 with arim 602 that has an outward seal or sweep 604 disposed circumferentiallyon the outer surface of the rim 602. The sweep, in numerous embodiments,can be positioned at a downward angle sweeping downward and outward awayfrom the main body of the rim 602. This can improve the overallinsertion angle of the cup as well as offer a seal against the walls ofthe vagina. In many embodiments, the sweep can be made of a resilientlycompliant material that moves or complies with the user as well asprovides support and structure. In accordance with many embodiments, thesweep may be molded into the rim during a molding process similar tothose described above. The sweep may also be attached by some otherprocess such as heat welding or bonding. The sweep 604, in accordancewith some embodiments, can provide for a more compliant outer surface ofthe rim 602 such that the seal of the cup is maintained during use.Numerous embodiments may have a rim 602 where the leading edge 606 iscurved or contoured in some fashion to improve the transition betweenthe rim and the sweep 604. The leading edge, generally refers to theupper edges of the rim of a cup that is inserted first into the vaginalcanal toward the cervix. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to have theleading edge of a cup that is configured in such a manner so as todistribute the forces that occur against the rim during insertion anduse. As such many embodiments may have rim designs that are configuredwith contoured or chamfered leading edges.

FIGS. 7A through 7E illustrate various views of an exemplary embodimentof a cup 700 with a rim portion 702 that has a specifically contouredleading edge 704. The leading edge 704 in accordance with manyembodiments is contoured with a chamfer or a slope 706 such that theslope 706 is at an off axis angle that slopes downward away from a topportion 708 of the rim. Having a slope at the leading edge candistribute the unilateral force against the rim in proportion to theangle of the slope an in a direction normal to the sloping edge 706. Inother words, as the unilateral force from the vaginal walls or cervixinteracts with the sloping edge 706 a rotating motion can be generatedand help move the cup 700 in a direction parallel to the central axis ofthe cup 710. This can help to facilitate movement of the cup advancingbeyond the cervix, thus placing it in the correct position in thefornix. For example, FIG. 7E illustrates a menstrual cup and/or disc inthe initial position before the final position. The cup 700 has a forcein the X direction 714 that results in a force and/or movement in the Ydirection 716 due to the force on the chamfered portion of the rim. Thiscan be very advantageous in that numerous users can suffer fromdexterity issues that can limit their ability to properly insert the cup700. As can be appreciated the slope 706 can be of any angle that issuitable to create the desired movement of the cup against theunilateral forces applied. Some embodiments may use a 45° angle, howevermany embodiments can use smaller or larger angles.

It can be appreciated that the rim of any embodiment of a cup may takeon any number of cross sections that can improve the overallfunctionality and comfort of the cup. Various cross sections may providegraspable surfaces and thereby aid in interfacing with insertion orremoval tools. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a table with variouscross sections of rims and the associated volume of material.Accordingly, it can be seen that the various cross sections can reducethe material used. This indicates that the cross section can beoptimized for improved environmental impact as well as usability. Inaccordance with many embodiments, the cross section may be a dome shape,triangular shape, U-shaped, or any other suitable shape formanufacturing and use. Furthermore, in some embodiments the geometricdimensions can vary. In some embodiments the rim diameter can be between2″ and 3″. In other embodiments, the height of the rim may be between0.25″ and 1″. Likewise, the width of the rim may be between 0.25″ and1″, in accordance with embodiments.

As can be appreciated the rim of the cup can serve a number of differentfunctions, such as providing a resilient component to help withinsertion, and provide a component that helps better direct the flow offluid. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the rim, in manyembodiments, serves as the key component for insertion and removal.Accordingly, many embodiments may incorporate one or more featureswithin the rim of the cup that can improve the insertion and/or removalprocess and thus prevent unwanted spills or leaks that can often occurfrom more traditional designs. For example, FIGS. 9A through 9H,illustrate embodiments menstrual cups with removal/insertion enhancementfeatures. FIG. 9A illustrates a menstrual cup 900 that incorporateschannels 902 that pass through the body of the rim 904. These channels902 can help to prevent unwanted suction that can occur with similarmenstrual devices. Channels may also provide surfaces to aid in grippingthe device by insertion or removal tools. Once a device is insertedproperly, the rim can often time create a suction between the rim andthe walls of the vagina. The suction can make the removal of suchdevices more difficult and can often lead to leaks and/or spills.Accordingly, some embodiments may use a number of channels 902 to helpreduce or eliminate the suction and thus improve the removal process.FIG. 9B illustrates an isometric view of a menstrual cup 900 withhorizontally configured channels 902. Although the channels 902illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B pass through the thickness of the rim904, it can be appreciated that channels can be configured to passthrough the height or even at angles that are off axis.

For example, FIGS. 9C through 9E illustrate a menstrual cup 900 withchannels 902 that are configured to pass through the rim 904 at an anglethat is off axis from the vertical. FIGS. 9C and 9D illustrate a channel902 that is configured to slant away from the body of the cup 906 whileFIG. 9E illustrates a channel that is configured to slant towards thebody of the cup 906. Although the cross sectional views illustrate asingle channel it can be appreciated that embodiments of a menstrual cupcan incorporate one or more channels.

FIGS. 9F though 9G illustrate embodiments of a menstrual cup withvertically aligned channels in portions of the rim 904. For example,FIG. 9F illustrates an embodiment of a menstrual cup 900 with verticalchannels 902 that run vertically through the body or height of the rim904. The vertical channels, similar to horizontal ones, can help toreduce or remove unwanted suction and can also act as attachment pointsfor a removal device. In some embodiments a removal device (not shown)can insert one or more connecting elements into the channels 905 to grabhold of the cup and remove it. Removal devices can be beneficial if theuser suffers from dexterity issues that make it difficult to remove.Likewise, insertion devices can be used in a similar manner.

Similarly, FIG. 9G illustrates vertically aligned channels 905 in therim that pass through a portion of the rim leaving a cut out section908. In some embodiments, channel can have a “C” shaped cross section.The “C” shaped channels 908 can be positioned in any number of locationsand can act in a similar manner to other channels described herein.Additionally, it can be appreciated that the channel cut outs 908 canhave any number of cross section and are not limited to a “C” shape.Likewise, the cutout channels 908 can be configured to be at a number ofdifferent off axis angles. Similar to the cutout channels illustrated inFIG. 9G, FIG. 9H illustrates cutout channels 908 that are disposed on aninternal surface 910 of the rim. Although certain embodiments are shown,it should be understood that any number of channels may be used and avariety of different cross sections of channels may be used within thesame rim of a cup. Additionally, many embodiments may place the channelsin any number of locations including through a sweep or seal orcompliant portion (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6).

Although certain components and configurations of a menstrual cup areillustrated, it should be understood that any number of components andconfigurations can be used together or separately in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

In reference to usability, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an embodiment ofa cup during insertion (10A) and removal (10B). It should be understoodthat any embodiment described herein may be used to help improve theinsertion and removal of the cup. Therefore the overall user experiencemay be greatly improved.

DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS

As can be inferred from the above discussion, the above-mentionedconcepts can be implemented in a variety of arrangements in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. Specifically, menstrual cups withimproved rim designs that aid in the insertion and removal of the cup aswell as improve the environmental impact are illustrated. Achieving suchfunctionality, according to embodiments, involves the implementation ofspecial arrangements/designs between subsystems described above, andtheir equivalents.

Accordingly, although the present invention has been described incertain specific aspects, many additional modifications and variationswould be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to beunderstood that the present invention may be practiced otherwise thanspecifically described. Thus, embodiments of the present inventionshould be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A menstrual cup comprising: a body portion havingan exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interior surfacedefines a reservoir and wherein the body portion has a defined outeredge with a first diameter; a resiliently foldable rim having defineddimensions of height, width, and diameter, wherein the diameter of therim is equal to or greater than the first diameter of the body portion,and wherein the height of the rim is defined by an upper edge and alower edge and the width of the rim is defined by a thickness of the rimthat extends between an outward surface to an inward surface and whereinthe resiliently foldable rim has a chamfered leading edge wherein thechamfered leading edge is defined by a sloped surface extending downwardat angle off axis from the upper edge and extending to a point along theoutward surface below the upper edge.
 2. The menstrual cup of claim 1,further comprising at least one protrusion extending outward from theouter edge of the rim and circumferentially disposed around the rimwherein the protrusion is configured to be resiliently foldable andcompliant so as to comply with the resiliently foldable rim and whereinthe at least one protrusion is configured to contact a portion of theuser's body and form a seal.
 3. The menstrual cup of claim 2, whereinthe at least one protrusion extends outward at a downward angle awayfrom the resiliently foldable rim.
 4. The menstrual cup of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of protrusions having an elongated bodywith a first end and a second end where the first end is connected to aninner portion of the resiliently foldable rim and extends outwardtowards the outer surface and connects to an inward portion of theoutward surface, such that each of the plurality of protrusions make upa portion of the resiliently foldable rim and wherein each of theplurality of protrusions are individually disposed on the inner portionof the rim in a circumferential pattern.
 5. The menstrual cup of claim4, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions have at least a portionthereof near the first end that overlaps at least a portion of anadjacent protrusion.
 6. The menstrual cup of claim 4, wherein each ofthe plurality of protrusions are disposed at a helical angle withrespect to the outer surface of the rim.
 7. The menstrual cup of claim1, further comprising a plurality of channels disposed in theresiliently foldable rim wherein each of the plurality of channelsextend through at least a portion of the resiliently foldable rim. 8.The menstrual cup of claim 7, wherein the plurality of channels extendhorizontally from an interior surface of the rim to an exterior surfaceof the rim.
 9. The menstrual cup of claim 7, wherein the plurality ofchannels extend at an angle that is off axis from the vertical andwherein the angle extends from an inner surface towards and outersurface.
 10. The menstrual cup of claim 7, wherein the plurality ofchannels extend at an angle that is off axis from the vertical andwherein the angle extends from an outer surface towards and innersurface.
 11. The menstrual cup of claim 7, wherein the cross section ofthe channel is a “C” cross section.
 12. The menstrual cup of claim 7,wherein the plurality of channels are disposed near an outer edge of theresiliently foldable rim and form a cutout of the rim.
 13. The menstrualcup of claim 7, wherein the plurality of channels are disposed near aninner edge of the resiliently foldable rim and form a cutout of the rim.14. The menstrual cup of claim 1, wherein the resiliently foldable rimhas a cross section selected from a group consisting of triangular, halfcircular, and U shaped.
 15. The menstrual cup of claim 1, wherein thebody portion of the cup has a volume ranging from 25 ml to 75 ml. 16.The menstrual cup of claim 1, wherein the rim is molded onto the bodyportion of the cup such that the rim encloses the defined outer edge ofthe body portion.
 17. The menstrual cup of claim 1, wherein the rim andthe body portion are made of materials of different durometers.
 18. Amenstrual cup comprising: a body portion having an exterior surface andan interior surface wherein the interior surface defines a reservoir andwherein the body portion has a defined outer edge with a first diameter;a resiliently foldable rim having defined dimensions of height, width,and diameter, wherein the diameter of the rim is equal to or greaterthan the first diameter of the body portion, and wherein the height ofthe rim is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge and the width ofthe rim is defined by a thickness of the rim that extends between anoutward surface to an inward surface and wherein the resilientlyfoldable rim has a contoured leading edge.
 19. The menstrual cup ofclaim 18, wherein the contoured leading edge is defined by a slopedsurface extending downward at an angle off axis from the upper edge andextending to a point along the outward surface below the upper edge. 20.The menstrual cup of claim 18, wherein the of axis angle is equal to45°.
 21. The menstrual cup of claim 18, wherein the contoured leadingedge is defined by a curved surface extending from the upper edge downtowards the lower edge and to a point along the outward surface.
 22. Themenstrual cup of claim 18, wherein the resiliently foldable rim has across section selected from a group consisting of triangular, halfcircular, and U shaped.
 23. A menstrual cup comprising: a body portionhaving an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interiorsurface defines a reservoir and wherein the body portion has a definedouter edge with a first diameter; a resiliently foldable rim havingdefined dimensions of height, width, and diameter, wherein the diameterof the rim is equal to or greater than the first diameter of the bodyportion, and wherein the height of the rim is defined by an upper edgeand a lower edge and the width of the rim is defined by a thickness ofthe rim that extends between an outward surface to an inward surface andwherein the body portion attaches to the rim between the upper edge andlower edge and on the inner diameter.
 24. A menstrual cup comprising: abody portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface whereinthe interior surface defines a reservoir and wherein the body portionhas a defined outer edge with a first diameter; a resiliently foldablerim having defined dimensions of height, width, and diameter, whereinthe diameter of the rim is equal to or greater than the first diameterof the body portion, and wherein the height of the rim is defined by anupper edge and a lower edge and the width of the rim is defined by athickness of the rim that extends between an outward surface to aninward surface, wherein the rim has one or more channels transecting theheight of the rim, and wherein a cross section of each of the one ormore channels is a circular cross section.